---
type: lake
name: "Little Trout Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 127
max_depth_ft: 56
latitude: 47.96728
longitude: -90.48111
lake_score: 43
dnr_lake_id: "16017000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-trout-lake
---

# Little Trout Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 127 acres
- **Max Depth**: 56 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 13.4 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 43/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Little Trout Lake is a 127-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 2 fish species here, including lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 3 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 2
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Lake Trout, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Ram Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/ram-lake) - 1.6 miles, 68 acres
- [Vista Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/vista-lake) - 1.8 miles, 166 acres
- [Bower Trout Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/bower-trout-lake) - 2.2 miles, 133 acres
- [Swan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/swan-lake) - 2.3 miles, 199 acres
- [Horseshoe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/horseshoe-lake) - 3 miles, 188 acres
- [Ball Club Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/ball-club-lake) - 3.8 miles, 206 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.96728,-90.48111)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16017000)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-trout-lake)*